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A provincially-appointed supervisor will take over management of the Niagara Health System.

“I can’t ignore the fact that a very large segment of the public has lost necessary confidence in this hospital’s administration,” said Deb Matthews, minister of health and long-term care.

“To make sure that NHS is on the right track, I think it’s important that there is a leader within the hospital system who reports directly to me.”

These steps are being taken in order to restore necessary public confidence in the local hospital system, the announcement states. Despite the hospital’s best efforts, doubts remain about its ability to meet Niagara-area residents’ expectations of their local health care system.

The minister must give at least 14 days notice to the board of a hospital of her intent to recommend that a supervisor be appointed. On the minister’s recommendation, the government may appoint a supervisor when it is in the public interest.

“I want to thank all the Niagara Health System staff for working so hard to provide the best possible patient care,” said Matthews. “I know they’re doing their absolute best under difficult circumstances.”

Interim president and CEO Sue Matthews said the NHS will continue working collaboratively to restore community confidence and to end the infectious disease outbreaks in NHS facilities.

“We thank our staff for their hard work to combat hospital-acquired infection, and for their dedication to those we serve,” she said.

Since the outbreak began in May, 31 people have died as a result of c. difficile infection.